Ethics in the Practice of Counseling: Practical Application of CRC Code of Ethics in Serving Deaf, Deaf‐
Blind, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened Individuals
Kim Poage, M.S., CRC
NW Training Forum
September 2011
Western Oregon University
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Today’s Outline
• Specific areas that impact persons with hearing loss: – Dual Relationships
– Technology
– Serving Clients Remotely
– Personal Disclosure Statement
• Ethical decision making process
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Resources on Thumb Drive
• Copy of Today’s PPT
• 2010 CRC Code of Ethics
• Top 10 Changes to the New Code
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The first step in the evolution
of ethics is a sense of
solidarity with other humans.
- Albert Schweitzer
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Major Principles in CRC Code of Ethics
• Autonomy – encourage independence and self‐determination
• Beneficence – promote good or wellness
• Fidelity – be faithful and keep promises
• Justice – commit to fairness
• Nonbeneficence – do no harm
• Veracity – make honest promises and not deceive or exploit clients – NEW!
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Dual Relationships
• Previously strongly discourage
• Now ‐ Is it beneficial to the client?
• Focus on setting appropriate boundaries
CRC Code of Ethics
Section A.5.d 6
Risks to Consider
• Power differential can = vulnerability
• Is harm perceived by client or others?
• Are you losing objectivity or behaving inappropriately?
• Is this relationship meeting an emotional need of yours?
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You DON’T Want to Feel
Isolated from your own culture or not sure what you can do!
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Ways to Manage Dual Relationships
• Talk with client about dual roles and boundaries involved • Consult regarding alternatives and progress with dual roles
• Consider each counselor/client relationship individually
• DOCUMENT your actions and rationale 9
Technology & Social Networking
• What do you use for social networking?
• Do you “friend” your clients on‐line?
• What can you and employers find on‐line about your clients?
• What can your clients learn about you on‐
line?
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What are you teaching your clients?
• Pitfalls with social media
• What is appropriate and professional to have on‐line?
• Managing privacy controls
• Email, phone, VP messages
• Checking criminal history
together and internet presence
CRC Code of Ethics Section J.3 – J.5
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Resources and Supports
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On‐line support groups
Job Clubs
Linked‐In
Others…
How are you being deliberate in using technology to work for you not against you?
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Serving Clients Remotely
Increasing need and demand:
– Remote clients
– Convenience
– Transportation costs
– Seeking service provider outside their community
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Distance Counseling Considerations
• How secure is the on‐line environment being used?
• How secure is the client and counselors space?
• Have you discussed benefits and limitations?
• Considering client’s goals and limitations, is it the best course of action for this individual?
CRC Code of Ethics Section J.11 – J.14
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Professional Disclosure Statement (PDS)
• A.3.a‐b disclosure must now be conducted “orally, in writing, and in a manner that best accommodates any… limitation”
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What to include in a PDS
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Your role and credentials
Agency you work for and what to expect
Who will have access to information
Any fees
Confidentiality and it’s limits
• Signature lines
• See WA sample
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8 Steps to Making Ethical Decisions
1. Identify the problem or dilemma
2. Identify the potential issues involved; evaluate the rights/responsibilities of all parties
3. Review the relevant ethics codes
4. Know the applicable laws and regulations
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8 Steps continued…
5. Seek consultation
6. Consider possible/probable courses of action ‐ brainstorm
7. List the consequences of various decisions
8. Decide on the best course of action
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Goal of Ethical Practice…
• Is NOT to provide the right answers, but to ask the right questions.
• Asking the right questions will lead to ethically sound professional decisions.
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Kim Poage, M.S., CRC
Rehabilitation Counselor Education
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Oregon 97361
503‐838‐8758
poagek@wou.edu
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